The Japanese Sandman was recorded March 1928 in New York City on the Pathe and Perfect labels. Annette provides a short vocal refrain for Willard Robison's Deep River Orchestra. Annette loved working with Robison and it comes through in this song as well as 3 other Robison uploads-Smiles, Speedy Boy, and Ain't no Man Worth the Salt of My Tears. Annette had been providing the vocal refrains for many of Pathe and Columbia's dance bands since they didn't have girl singers until 1932 when Paul Whiteman hired Mildred Bailey and her success paved the way for many \"Big Band Gals\" to follow. In all, Annette made 24 sides as a dance band singer starting with the Original Memphis 5 in 1927, then Lou Gold, Ben Selvin, Sam Lanin, Frank Ferera and the Instrumental Stars (Eddie Lang, Adrian Rollini, Vic Berton and Joe Venuti). She especially loved working with Eddie Lang whom she called a great musician and a great gentleman. She hated working with Ferera whom she called a \"bottom pincher\". For orchestras that recorded on the Columbia label and its sub labels, Annette acted as the \"girl singer\" which was a must for every reputable orchestra in the late 20s and 30s. She was never a girl singer outside the studio although any big band leader would have given their right arm to have had her in their band.
Annette was a much sought after radio personality. In addition to the show mentioned in the vid, she appeared for Coca cola, Chevrolet, Rexall Drug Stores, Norge Appliances, and De Soto Automobiles.
Its Christmas eve, so Merry Christmas to all and more to come next year.
